Holiness is Easy

In our mind holiness is associated with rigorous fasting, gruelling penance, long hours of prayer, and arduous pilgrimages. Therefore, we think that it is very difficult to become holy. While the things which we have mentioned can be a help for holiness, one need not do very difficult things in order to be holy. Holiness can be attained through living our everyday lives in a loving and wholesome way.

Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation entitled “Rejoice and be Glad” says: “This holiness to which the Lord calls you will grow through small gestures. Here is an example: a woman goes shopping, she meets a neighbour and they begin to speak and the gossip starts. But she says in her heart: ‘No, I will not speak badly of anyone.” This is a step forward in holiness. Later, at home, one of her children wants to talk to her about his hopes and dreams, and even though she is tired, she sits down and listens with patience and love. This is another sacrifice that brings holiness. Later she experiences some anxiety, but recalling the love of the Virgin Mary, she takes her rosary and prays with faith. Yet another path of holiness. Later still, she goes out onto the street, encounters a poor person and stopes to say a kind word to him. One more step.” (GE, 16).